Federal Lawsuit Filed to Halt Construction of Detention Center Threatening Everglades Ecosystem

Introduction

Environmental organizations have initiated a federal lawsuit aimed at stopping the construction and operation of a detention center for undocumented immigrants, referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility’s development poses significant threats to ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species within the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve.

Legal Allegations and Environmental Concerns

The lawsuit, filed by Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, accuses federal and state agencies of violating environmental laws, particularly those mandating thorough evaluation of potential environmental impacts prior to project approval. Key points include:

1. Failure to conduct required environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
2. Potential harm to wetlands, wildlife habitats, air and water quality.
3. Disruption of the natural terrain due to construction activities including installation of housing units, sanitation and food service systems, lighting infrastructure, and diesel power generators.
4. Use of transportation logistics that may involve runway operations for detainee intake and deportation.

Project Background and Government Response

• The detention center is under construction at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a remote flight training site.
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans for detainee intake to begin imminently and emphasized the temporary nature of the facility.
• DeSantis dismissed environmental concerns, attributing opposition to immigration enforcement disagreements rather than ecological issues.

Legal Defendants and Funding

The lawsuit names several defendants, including:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons
• Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie
• Miami-Dade County, the site owner (partly located in Collier County)

Although Florida leads the project’s construction and operation, the federal government is responsible for funding.

Violations of Environmental and Administrative Laws

Legal representatives from the Center for Biological Diversity, Earthjustice, and Coffey Burlington law firm argue that the project violates:

• The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires environmental impact evaluations.
• The Administrative Procedure Act.
• Miami-Dade County code.
• State Division of Emergency Management’s authority limitations regarding correctional facility management.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The lawsuit highlights critical concerns aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – The project’s environmental degradation threatens ecosystems that play a vital role in climate regulation.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water – Wetlands and water quality in the Big Cypress National Preserve are at risk.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – The habitat of endangered species such as the Florida panther faces direct harm.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The facility’s construction without proper assessment undermines sustainable land use and community well-being.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Alleged violations of environmental laws and administrative procedures highlight governance and institutional challenges.

Environmental and Community Impact

The detention center’s operations are expected to cause:

• Degradation of natural, scenic, hydrologic, floral, faunal, and recreational values of the Big Cypress National Preserve.
• Negative effects on air and water quality.
• Disturbance to endangered and threatened species habitats.

Current Status and Outlook

Despite the lawsuit seeking an injunction, construction activity continues with visible progress at the site. Governor DeSantis emphasized collaboration with the federal government to fulfill immigration enforcement mandates, describing the facility as a “force multiplier.”

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights environmental concerns related to construction and operation impacting wetlands, wildlife, and air and water quality, which are integral to climate and environmental protection.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The protection of ecologically sensitive areas such as the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve, and endangered species like the Florida panther, directly relates to this goal.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The lawsuit addresses legal and procedural violations, including bypassing environmental reviews and alleged violations of federal and local laws, reflecting governance and justice issues.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Although indirectly, the concerns about infrastructure development and its environmental impact relate to sustainable urban and community planning.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect endangered species.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) – The article emphasizes the requirement for environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), implying the use of EIA indicators to measure potential environmental harm.
2. Indicators Related to Biodiversity – Presence and status of endangered species such as the Florida panther, and the health of wetlands and natural habitats, can serve as indicators for SDG 15 targets.
3. Air and Water Quality Measures – The lawsuit mentions harm to air and water quality, implying the use of environmental quality indicators to assess pollution levels and ecosystem health.
4. Legal Compliance and Institutional Accountability – Indicators related to adherence to environmental laws (NEPA, Administrative Procedure Act) and local codes, as well as transparency and accountability in decision-making processes, relate to SDG 16 targets.
5. Infrastructure Impact Indicators – The extent of construction activities (housing units, sanitation, lighting, diesel generators) and their environmental footprint can be measured to assess sustainable development progress under SDG 11.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nbcmiami.com